Weslaco police are asking for the public’s help in making Christmas a little brighter for local kids.
The police department is seeking donations for a toy drive it’s planning in December when they’ll be distributing gifts via a drive-thru.
The toy giveaway will be held on Dec. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Mayor Pablo Pena Park located at 300 N. Airport Drive in Weslaco.
Weslaco police chief Joel Rivera said Saturday that as police officers, they respond to a variety of different calls and not all are crimes but welfare concerns. From these experiences, they’re able to identify the struggle that exists in the community.
“Through our work we see firsthand the need and the children who won’t have a good Christmas or even be able to celebrate Christmas at all because their parents don’t have the means to supply them with a gift,” Rivera said. “So to make sure every child has a gift, we started a toy drive. It’s really more of a giveaway because we invite the community to actually bring the children that are less fortunate to be able to enjoy a toy.
“It’s the goodwill of the community coming together; we’re just organizing it. I think it’s a great community event.”
They are still currently accepting donations and encourage the public to drop off unwrapped gifts at any of the following locations in Weslaco:
>> Weslaco Police Department, 901 N. Airport Drive
>> Welsco Regional Rehab Center, 906 S. James Street
>> County Sunshine RV Resort, 1601 S. Airport Drive
>> Don Birrias Tacos y Mas, 1400 E. Business Hwy 83
>> Trail End RV Resort, 2001 S. Texas Blvd.
>> Southern Comfort RV Resort, 1502 S. Airport Drive
The gifts should be for children 15 years old and younger.
For those who want to help or need a donation box call the Welsco Police Department’s Community Outreach Division at (956) 968-8591, ext. 2009.
